1. Update
-Usual: 10k + 7m = $100m Community Benefits Funds for Dorchester
-minimal response from public officials regarding allotment of CB funds
-need to continue to push our priorities (Comprehensive Planning, Infrastructure, Beautification, Pedestrian Ways, Public Spaces)
2. Public Meeting
-reviewed second maps draft from James Christopher; very positive responses
-we will meet with James to go over a few changes and requests
-will ask for third draft for 5/31/23 meeting with new Planning Director (Aimee Chambers)
-we need to discuss agenda for 5/31 meeting
3. Structure for managing our $750k gift
-will seek revised 501 C 4 status
-will continue to talk with attorneys
4. Uses of $750k
– we decided to present the following as a “Work In Process” at the June membership meeting: –each CSHCA committee gets an “allowance”: amount TBD
–hire a person to function as CSHCA staffer and Dot Ave Main Street coordinator;
–hire professionals as needed for IT, Public Relations, lobbying for our CB $100m priorities,
architectural recommendations
–fund local events TBD
–support for local businesses and non profit organizations
–plant trees and upgrade lighting on Dot Ave
The purpose is to get more input. Not looking for decisions on June 5.
5. Name of extended CSHCA area
–narrowed the candidates to Dorchester Harbor, Dorchester Shore, Dorchester North. Dorchester Bay, New Dorchester, Dorchester Common
–share with membership and ask for comments/suggestions
–no vote on June 5
6. Elections of committee chair
–Bill Walczak and Don Walsh were elected co-chairs
7. Next meeting
–Wednesday, at 7pm at SHYC
8. Dot Block Community Benefits Funds request
–agreed to apply for $10k from BPDA to hire consultant to help define the specific elements of Comprehensive Planning in our area
–application filed today
–Uphams Corner based Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation agreed to be our non-profit fiscal agent since our non profit status is questionable (as stated above, attorneys are helping us unravel things)
9. MAHA zoom meeting with BPDA
–several of us agreed to “attend” MAHA’s 5/24 (6pm) meeting with Arthur Jemison (BPDA) and Sheilia Dillon (city’s point person on housing)
–our concern is that the Dorchester Bay City development is talking about roughly 90% of its Community Benefits money going to affordable housing, not to the local community impacted by large developments